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Digital Arrest

IAS Current Affairs

Digital Arrest

Source: Times of India
GS III: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security

Overview

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  1. News in Brief
  2. What is Digitial Arrest?
  3. About Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Why in the News?

With the cases of extortion and ‘digital arrest’ frauds on the rise, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) working under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory asking the citizens to be alert about such frauds.

News in Brief
  • The police across the country, including Telangana, have been receiving complaints from victims of such frauds.
  • The law enforcement agencies suspect this to be an organised online economic crime.
  • It is learnt to be operated by cross-border crime syndicates.
What is Digitial Arrest?

A digital arrest is a deceptive tactic employed by cybercriminals to exploit people under the guise of law enforcement or investigative agencies.

How it works?

  • Scam Scenario
    • Online fraudsters typically call potential victims and claim that they have sent or are the intended recipients of a parcel containing illegal goods, drugs, fake passports, or other contraband items.
    • In some cases, the criminals contact relatives or friends of the target and inform them that the target has been involved in a crime or accident and is in their custody.
    • To convey authenticity, these criminals often use pictures or identities of police personnel.
    • They demand money from the target for a “compromise” and closure of the case.
  • Digital Arrest Process
    • In certain cases, victims are “digitally arrested.”
    • They are forced to stay visible over platforms like Skype or other video conferencing tools until their demands are met.
    • Cybercriminals may create studio setups resembling police stations or government offices and wear uniforms similar to those of law enforcement agencies.
    • Victims across the country have reported losing large sums of money to these criminals.
  • Government Action
    • The Indian government, in collaboration with Microsoft, has blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs used for online intimidation, blackmail, and extortion.
    • The Ministry of Home Affairs coordinates the response to cybercrime through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and has taken steps to curb these fraudulent activities.
    • Also working to block SIM cards, mobile devices and “mule” accounts used by the cybercriminals.
    • Home Ministry is working with other ministries and their agencies, RBI, and other organisations to combat these criminal activities.
    • I4C has also posted infographics and videos on its social media platform Cyberdost, and on its handles on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, etc., to increase awareness.
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a government initiative established by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi to address cybercrime in India in a coordinated and effective manner. It serves as a framework and ecosystem for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrime comprehensively.

Key points about I4C

  • Purpose and Role
    • I4C acts as the nodal point to curb cybercrime in the country.
    • It focuses on improving coordination between various LEAs and stakeholders to tackle cybercrime issues for citizens.
    • The centre provides a comprehensive approach to dealing with cyber threats.
  • Components
    • National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): This unit analyzes cyber threats and trends to enhance prevention and response efforts.
    • National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: Citizens can report cyber crimes through this portal, which facilitates efficient handling of complaints
    • Platform for Joint Cybercrime Investigation Team: Enables collaboration among different agencies for effective investigations.
  • Recent Initiatives
    • National Conference on Cyber Safety & National Security: Held in June 2022, this conference aimed to enhance awareness and cooperation in combating cybercrime.
    • Launch of Cyber Pravaha Newsletter: The first edition of the I4C newsletter, “Cyber Pravaha,” shares precise information related to cybercrime with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
    • Workshops with State/UT LEAs: Joint Cybercrime Coordination Teams (JCCTs) share experiences and challenges to prevent cybercrime
  • Safe Practices to Prevent Cybercrime
    • Avoid pop-ups, unknown emails, and suspicious links.
    • Use strong password protection and two-factor authentication.
    • Regularly install updates and back up your files.
    • In case of cyber fraud, call the Cybercrime helpline.

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